Hospitals in South Africa Benefit from Lean Management

APPLETON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the Lean Healthcare Summit hosted by the Lean Institute
Africa, Catalysis
today shared some of the initial results related to lean implementation
at hospitals and health systems in South Africa. The successes these
healthcare leaders are achieving are a direct result of implementing
lean strategies created by Catalysis.

“CEOs and healthcare leaders in South Africa are implementing lean
methods and benefiting from their efforts,” said John Toussaint, MD and
CEO of Catalysis, who spoke at the annual summit. “Lean principles
designed for hospital systems do not require big budgets or a wealth of
technology to be effective. With the right training and dedication,
hospital staff, from frontline workers to physicians and administrators,
can make lasting change that ultimately benefits patients and reduces
the total cost of healthcare.”

Grey Dube, CEO of Leratong Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, said
that two common barriers for healthcare leaders include leading with
humility and having self-discipline. With lean methods, Dube and his
staff were able to all but eliminate patient wait times and congestion
previously happening at the organization’s clinics, pharmacy and a
number of other departments.

Gladys Bogoshi, CEO of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, also in Johannesburg,
said that implementing lean allowed her hospital to improve efficiency
across the board. For example, operating room efficiency has improved by
36%.

“These examples of improving patient service and more efficient use of
hospital resources mean these organizations are able to enhance
operations without reducing staff or cutting budgets,” said Toussaint.
“With proper coaching, video instruction and support, Catalysis helps
healthcare leaders improve their health systems. Lean improvements will
only continue to benefit patients in the long run.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Catalysis team has worked with
thousands of healthcare leaders around the world to implement lean
healthcare principles. Experts at Catalysis use real-world examples to
design lean management courses, conduct site visits, and provide other
educational resources to hospital and healthcare system leaders. These
offerings aim to increase healthcare quality and decrease healthcare
spending, resulting in better value for patients. When implemented, lean
healthcare focuses on high-quality patient care through widespread
continuous improvement.

About CatalysisCatalysis inspires healthcare leaders and
accelerates change. With a focus on experiential education, Catalysis
helps healthcare leaders in the United States and Europe create
system-wide, transformative change. We believe in care delivery designed
around the patient, payment and incentives based on value and outcomes,
and transparency of performance (quality and cost). Founded in 2008,
Catalysis is a not for profit with a mission to help create more
healthcare value in the industry. Learn more at: createvalue.org.